Rating: PG-13 to R (Angst... proceed with caution)

Summary: When Legolas is forced to make a decision that could very
well determine the fate of all Middle Earth, what will he do? And
what consequences will his choice have?

// = elvish translations
# = flashbacks
* = thought

Disclaimer and Acknowledgements: As in Chapter 1

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Chapter 21 - Rough Night, Gentle Care

The three brothers watched the events unfold from inside the house. All three of them had abandoned their breakfasts when Legolas left abruptly and had plastered themselves at the window. As their father and friend entered the house, Aragorn offered to make the tea that work miracles for him when he got sick while Elladan and Elrohir busied themselves making sure that Legolas was settled in comfortably in his room. The prince curled up in the bed and whimpered as another wave of spasm coursed through his body.

Moments later, Aragorn appeared with the freshly brewed tea and sat down beside Legolas’ bed.

"Here, drink this," the human held the cup to his friend’s lips after Elladan had propped him up with several pillows. Knowing that resistance was futile, the elf sipped at the tea but before he could finish it, his stomach turned. He jumped out of bed, knocking Aragorn over in the process, and darted into the bathroom, throwing up violently.

The rest of the day had been a sheer nightmare for the young elf. He was sick so frequently that they had ended up keeping him in the bathroom. Elladan and Aragorn took turns caring for him during the day while Elrond and Elrohir took over the night watch. Between bouts of dry heaving and violent retching, Legolas had barely gotten any rest at all. He was eventually so exhausted that Elrohir had to hold him upright as he vomited. Fortunately, the symptoms let up near dawn the next day and the elf was finally able to get some decent rest.

Legolas’ eyelids fluttered under his long lashes as consciousness tugged at the corners of his mind. He shifted slightly under the soft blanket and his movement caught the attention of the figure sitting in a large chair beside the window and brought him promptly over to the bed. Aragorn peered down at Legolas as he struggled into wakefulness.

"How do you feel?" the ranger asked as his friend’s eyes finally opened.

"Ask me next month," Legolas ground out. His attempt to rise drew a wince from his face as his muscles protested against the sudden movement and he slipped back towards the bed.

"Sorry, that was a stupid question," the human said while gently propping Legolas up against the headboard. He sat down beside the bed and took a closer look at the elf. He looked terrible. Dark circles beneath his eyes stood out prominently against his pale face and his usually bright eyes had become dull. Nevertheless, he did look much better than he had yesterday. Aragorn pressed his palm against the elf’s forehead and smiled. His fever had broken.

"Umm... I am afraid to ask but..." the young man hesitated, "are you hungry?"

Before Legolas could reply, a soft knock was heard at the door and a dark haired elf popped his head in.

"Am I interrupting?" Elladan asked as he walked in with a tray balanced on his right hand. He smiled as he saw that Legolas was up and was actually looking rather well...compared to yesterday "I brought some food for you, Estel. Ada said you have not eaten anything since dinner yesterday. He was worried about you." He set the tray down on a small table beside the bed and turned his attention on Legolas. "I see you finally decided to join the world of the living," he chided lightly.

Legolas rolled his eyes. At least Elladan did not ask how he felt because right now he felt like he had been trampled over by a herd of Oliphaunts and he didn’t think Aragorn would find it amusing if he said that.

"What time is it now?" the young prince asked as he shifted in bed to find a more comfortable position.

"It’s just after lunch," Aragorn replied as he took a bite from his sandwich.

"You are dehydrated. We need to get some fluid into you," the twin held a glass of water to Legolas’ lips. "Drink this slowly."

Suddenly feeling very thirsty, the elf prince snatched for the glass forcing Elladan to pull it away quickly.

"I said slowly! Or you will make yourself sick again. You don’t want that, do you?" the dark haired elf admonished.

Legolas shook his head vigorously, agreeing silently to take it slow. He had no intention to spend the rest of his day in the bathroom again. He sipped at the water, feeling the cold liquid glide down his throat. His stomach growled and for a frightening moment, he thought he was going to lose it again but to his relief, the water settled peacefully within his body. Sighing contentedly, he finished the rest of the water gingerly.

Seeing that the prince was able to keep the water down, Elladan handed him a bowl of soup.

"Now try this," said the older twin.

Legolas took in the aroma of the soup as he brought the bowl closer to his face. Mushroom soup... his favourite. The elf closed his eyes, enjoying the rich fragrant. Taking a sip, he swallowed the warm fluid, feeling it slide down his throat, the warmth spreading quickly from his stomach to the rest of his body. He smiled contentedly as his body gladly accepted the much-needed nourishment.

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To Be Continued...